What is a central line?
A central line is a special soft plastic type of IV catheter that can remain in the body for a long period of time. The central line is a means of giving IV medications, fluids, nutrition and taking blood samples without having to endure multiple needle sticks. Usually, a double lumen catheter is placed in the patient. This type of catheter looks like the letter "Y". For very small children and infants a single lumen catheter is used. This type of catheter looks like the letter "I".
The placement of the line is done under general anesthesia in the operating room. A portion of the central line is positioned in one of the major veins of the heart and a portion of the catheter is placed outside of the body. You and your child will be taught how to take care of a central line. It is important to know how to flush the line daily to keep it from clotting and how to change the cap and dressing once a week.
